Surfside Beach, South Carolina (WMBF) – Surfers were breaking waves at Surfside Beach for Saturday’s annual surfing competition.

Each year, the Guy Daniels Memorial Foundation hosts an event to raise awareness about keeping beaches clean and to help children receive higher education.

Many surfers, like 17-year-old Cameron Whitman, were keen to compete.

“Today I came here really nervous. ,” said Whitman.

Whitman said he doesn’t want to be a professional surfer, but the ocean is his passion.

“I love being in the water. It’s so relaxing, so therapeutic. I wake up at 5am every day,” Whitman said.

Whitman shares the same passion for surfing as Daniels. The Foundation honors Daniels after his death in 1999 when he was a surfer and lifeguard on his beach at Surfside.

For over a decade, family and friends have continued Daniels’ legacy.

His father, Jim Daniels, couldn’t be prouder of his son.

“It couldn’t get any better. If he was still with us, it would only be better. That’s fine,” said Jim Daniels.

This year, organizers have added a new cornhole contest to attract more people to support the cause.

Over the years, the foundation has raised approximately $133,000. This non-profit has partnered with Coastal Carolina University to provide more scholarships to students in their education.

“Keep raising awareness and get more people involved. So the more people on the beach, the more raffles sold and the more funding for scholarships,” he said. Jim Daniels said.

Organizers expect to raise over $10,000 over the weekend.

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